If you get a moment, could you pray for my dad?

[nuxvomica]

My father was admitted to the hospital a few days ago, on his 84th birthday, complaining of severe abdominal pain. When his blood pressure started dropping, they brought him into surgery, expecting acute diverticulitis. Instead they found a strange condition that he has had ever since an appendectomy performed when he was in his 20s. Over my lifetime at least, he's struggled with numerous chronic, non-lethal but mysterious problems that may have been caused by this condition. He appears to be recovering OK though he has a low-grade fever. They say he'll be out of the woods in the next few days as long as he doesn't catch pneumonia or suffer a heart attack.

My dad is a second-generation Italian-American, a World War II veteran, an FDR Democrat, an old-guard '60s liberal, and a prolific LTTE writer since his retirement. This past election took a toll on him, as it has on us all, and I wonder if the stress may have exacerbated the condition to the point that his life was in danger from it after 60 years of tolerating it.

This will be my family's first Christmas ever without dad at home and it will be strange. It makes me think of all the families who have loved ones overseas this Christmas, or in hospitals or have lost them forever due to this government's recklessness. Those are the folks my dad has been most concerned about over the past four years. So if you get a moment, could you say a prayer for them too?

[tjdee]

1. Yup. Hope your family does alright and your father is home soon.

[nuxvomica]

11. Thanks. They just moved him out of ICU

He was sitting up and managing his finances by phone. The doctors say he is doing remarkably well.

[flamingyouth]

2. I definitely will

I'm sending positive vibes to you and your family today and all weekend. :hug:

Thank you for asking for prayers for those with loved ones overseas. I have a friend who is in Mosul right now. We still haven't heard from him, but at least we know he is alive.

[nuxvomica]

12. I hope both our loved ones do well

The circumstances are so different but the peril is still great for both. I'll be thinking of your friend this weekend, too. :hug:

[mohinoaklawnillinois]

3. Consider it done. n/t

[nuxvomica]

19. Thanks. I'm sure it helped.

He's doing well.

[0007]

4. Certainly will! Put my father in a nursing home a few weeks back

he is 93. Talked to him today, he's doing fairly well, his mind is still razor sharp. He weights only 100 lbs. He was a big man 6'4" 180 lbs.

[nuxvomica]

16. We are both pretty lucky to have our dads around so long

My dad's still pretty sharp too, especially his political opinions. He doesn't shrink from using the word "fascist" in his LTTEs. ;-)

[Quakerfriend]

5. Sure Nux will do

O8)

PS. Love your user name. BTW, my great, great grandfather was Constantine Hering. I often ask those who have gone to the "other side" to send their positive, healing energy over for those who need it. I will call on him to help with your Dad's healing. Blessings to you and your family!

[nuxvomica]

17. If such things are possible, Hering's guiding spirit is welcomed

I am quite impressed by your ancestry. Hering is something of hero of mine. I even have a reprint of his 1836 bestseller "The Homeopathic Domestic Physician." It was originally sold with a remedy kit and many pioneers headed west with that as their only form of health care.

[happynewyear]

6. he's added to my list

I have no plans for Xmas - pretty much alone here. I think I'll maybe go to church tomorrow for Xmas.

I'll add your father to my list of those to pray for.

I lost my dad over 7 years ago and I know what it is like not having your dad around for the holidays.

I hope he recovers and gets well soon.

[nuxvomica]

20. Sorry about your loss

And thanks for your prayers. :hug:

[n2mark]

7. Sure will!

[nuxvomica]

21. Thanks!

Hope you have a good holiday too.

[UrbScotty]

8. Many good wishes for your dad.

:hug:

[nuxvomica]

22. Thanks. My dad h8s the gop too

:hug:

[FarLeftRage]

9. Will do, my friend!

And then some... from one 2nd generation Italian-American for another, any time!

[nuxvomica]

23. Thanks, FarLeftRage

I just noticed the "tree" in your picture. Thanks for the laugh, too. :hi:

edit: I originally used "FarLefty" is a "familiar" form of your sn forgetting there actually is a "FarLefty". If you saw that, man, it's not cuz I forgot you. I certainly know who you are. I hope you have a great holiday, goombah. ;-)

[FarLeftRage]

47. That's okay Goombah

You have a very Merry Christmas, alright?

We'll get together again sometime next year... :hug:

[Individualist]

10. I will

and for you as well.

[nuxvomica]

24. Thanks a bunch

I don't need the prayers for myself, so much. But I appreciate it. :hug:

[meganmonkey]

13. Definitely!

And btw, I like your username! Pretty obscure reference, I know I certainly took it all day on Nov. 4th!

[nuxvomica]

25. Thanks

Keep some nux handy for January 1, too. That's usually when folks need it most. ;-)

[JohnKleeb]

14. sure

:hi:
I emailed Rhi last night and she told me about this. Sorry about your dad man.

[nuxvomica]

27. I am worried, Kleeb

But if he gets through this recovery, he'll probably be healthier than he's been in years. Crossing my fingers. :hi:

[JohnKleeb]

28. Thats good

I hope he can recover. A couple weeks back marked the 25th anniversiry of my grandfather's death. My other grandfather has been through tough times too.

[bearfan454]

15. Done n/t

[nuxvomica]

29. Thanks and have a great holiday yourself, bearfan

:hi:

[Darth_Kitten]

18. Send best wishes and prayers your family's way.

:hug:

For all families separated.

[nuxvomica]

33. Thanks, DK

:hug:

[Lenape85]

26. I will

He sounds a lot like my grandpa, who passed away a year and a half ago

[nuxvomica]

34. If he was like my dad, you must miss him a lot

Thanks for your prayers.

[buddhamama]

30. sending good vibes

as we speak, to your Dad and family too. May your Dad recover quickly and return home in improved health and good spirits. My Best to Y'All
:hug: :hug: :hug:

[nuxvomica]

35. Thanks, buddhamama

:hug: :hi:

[fluffernutter]

31. i'm sorry. hugs to you and positive thoughts for your dad.

[nuxvomica]

36. Thanks

As I replied to tjdee, he's been moved out of ICU and they say he's doing well.

[babylonsister]

32. Heartfelt prayers being sent your way from me,

nuxvomica. Peace to you and yours.

[nuxvomica]

37. Thanks, babylonsister

And peace to you and yours back at ya.

[SW FL Dem]

38. Sending our thoughts and prayers

your Dad's way. Hope he recovers quickly. It is tough to be without family during the holidays, my Dad has been gone for 24 years - he would have been 84.

[nuxvomica]

39. Thanks for your kind thoughts

I visited him a few hours ago and he's doing better.

[RadicalMom]

44. Sounds like he's a fighter...

It feels like he's going to be around for along time yet. Already sent prayers for him. And "buon natale" from yet another Italian.

[yardwork]

40. Merry Christmas to your dad and your family and you

I'm glad that he is doing a little better. He sounds like a wonderful person. I sent a prayer his way.

[Wapsie B]

41. My prayers go out to your Dad

and you family as well as the military. Hope he has a full recovery.

[AngryLizard]

42. Done

Best of wishes.

[rasputin1952]

43. My thoughts and prayers are coming your way...

These can be tough times, especially during this time of year.

If I may make a suggestion. When you and yours go to visit him, make sure you clear the air of all that has held you back in the past...Clean up the yard, so to speak....:)

May your visits go well, and you receive only good news over the next few days...O8)

[njdemocrat106]

45. Will do!

Best holiday thoughts and wishes too, to you, your dad, and everyone here on DU.

[IndyPriest]

46. Sure will, nux. Many blessings to you, too. n/t

[Maddy McCall]

48. Sending you my best wishes.

I hope your father comes home soon. :hug:

[tilsammans]

49. A prayer . . .

. . . for your dad and your family.

:grouphug:

[steely]

50. I will to, nux.

My mom had dinner with us tonight, and she's sleeping over.
I'm so glad she did - then tomorrow she is with my sister's fam.

I hope she had a good time tonight, and is cozy in our spare bed.

Merry Christmas to you and your family.

[Rhiannon12866]

51. I will.

Even though he doesn't like my dogs and complains that I put too much sauce on my pasta, I've become very fond of him, since I lost my own father. And he has taught me a lot, especially about the world and about politics. I belong to the agnostics forum, but will say a prayer for them all, since I care about them all, just in case it helps.:shrug:

[Piperay]

52. Sending positive thoughts and

prayers your Dad's way. :hug:

[Rhiannon12866]

53. How's your Dad?

And how was Christmas? I hope he's better.:-)

[derbstyron]

54. I will keep him in my thoughts

I wish you, and he, the best
:pals:

[nuxvomica]

55. Update on my dad :-)

He ate today and will probably be able to go home in two days. His recovery has been faster then we had expected. I'm sure much of that has been due to everyone's prayers, kind thoughts and good vibes.
So give yourselves a hand, DUers, you bunch of bighearted liberals you! :-)

[derbstyron]

56. That is *wonderful* news!

I'm so happy for you and your family, especially at this time of year.

[motely36]

57. I'm so glad to hear your dad is getting better

I'll keep him in my prayers.

[Rhiannon12866]

58. Liberals?! I thought this was Free Republic, with all the prayers!

Sorry, I'm just very happy for your Dad, hope he's home soon and able to eat pasta and sauce, as much as he wants, within the week! Just think! He'll be able to eat better than he has for 60 years! Amazing!:D

[Rhiannon12866]

59. So will your Dad be going home soon?!

He should get the best of care, for as long as possible, but I know, because of my Dad, and me, it's tough to be confined.:-)